By Chris Thompson, 08 Nov 2017News

Following in the footsteps of the M4 CS, the new M3 will feature the same 338kW/600Nm tune from the 3.0-litre straight six as the M4 – 7kW and 50Nm over the M3 Competition – but will pack on only 60kg bringing kerb weight to 1585kg.

While more weight doesn’t exactly sound very sporting, the devil is in the details.

A set of semi-slick Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s will provide more grip (though BMW offers Michelin Sport road tyres on the CS, too)from a set of lightweight alloys which are 9-inches wide at the front and 10 at the rear.

BMW says the front wheels weigh around 9kg, while the rears weigh 10kg.

Dynamics are further improved through the chassis, which BMW says is set up similarly to that of the M3 Competition, but with less weight (thanks to its forged aluminium build) and more rigid axle systems. A lightweight double-joint spring strut is found at the front, and a five-link at the rear.

The result of the sharper chassis, lighter weight and better rubber is an improved 0-100km/h run of only 3.9 seconds, four tenths faster than BMW’s claim for the M3.

One of our frustrations with the M4 CS, the lack of conventional door pulls, won’t be an issue with the M3.

Inside, Alcantara is plentiful along the doors, dash, and steering wheel, while well-bolstered leather seats add a touch of comfort in an otherwise focused car.

With pricing and unit allocation yet unannounced for Australia, we are unsure when it’ll be available locally, but orders for the BMW M3 CS can be placed as of January 2018.

Only 1200 will be built worldwide, beginning March 2018. Expect local pricing to creep closer to $200,000.